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Game of the Week – Manchester United see off Chelsea at Old Trafford

The past week was an important one in the top-four race in Premier League as Manchester United and Chelsea faced each other at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Red Devils came into this game following a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United and a lacklustre performance against Sevilla in Champions League.

It was crucial for them to pick up a win to keep hold of their second spot as Liverpool had won on Saturday. A defeat to the Blues would have left the Red Devils struggling at the edge of top-four. Paul Pogba started for the hosts in the midfield three along with Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay.

And things didn’t start well for them as the visitors looked the better side in the opening stages of the season. The West London side were rewarded for their efforts when Willian put them ahead in the 32nd-minute of the game. The Brazilian had also scored in the 1-1 draw against Barcelona in Champions League. He picked up four fantasy points from the game.

Chelsea’s lead didn’t last long as Romelu Lukaku finished a brilliant move also involving Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Martial to restore parity in the 39th minute. It was United’s first real attack in the game and a massive blow for the Blues. It was also Lukaku’s first goal against a top-eight side in the Premier League this season.

At half-time, the Blues must have felt frustrated at the scoreline, and they came out with the intention of making things right in the second half. They created some decent scoring opportunities, but the combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept them out.

When it looked like the game was heading into the draw, Lukaku once again made the telling difference. The Belgian provided a pin-point cross for substitute Jesse Lingard to head into the net, in the 75th-minute of the game. Lukaku picked up six points for his performance in the game.

The United striker is available for 10.5m in the market, and he has a total of 59 points. He has scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 27 league starts this season.

Lingard was also on the scoresheet, and he earned four points. Lingard is available for only 3m, and he has an impressive total of 62 points. He has scored eight goals and provided four assists.

The win helped United move back into the second spot ahead of Liverpool, and Chelsea are now fifth, two points outside of the top-four.